About

The city of Worcester, located 45 miles west of Boston in scenic central Massachusetts, is New England’s second-largest city, with a population of nearly 175,000. Once a thriving manufacturing center of international significance, the city today has a diverse economy that includes biotechnical research, healthcare, and insurance.

An ethnically diverse city, Worcester is noted for its fine educational and cultural facilities. In addition to Worcester State  University, other institutions of higher education are Assumption College, Becker College, Clark University, the College of the Holy Cross, the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Quinsigamond Community College, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The city is also home to the American Antiquarian Society, with a national research library specializing in Americana; the Worcester Art Museum, with a wide-ranging collection of Western and Asian art; and the Worcester Historical Museum, emphasizing the city's industrial achievements. Also of interest are the Higgins Armory, a museum of arms and armor, and the EcoTarium, with collections on the biological and physical sciences. The annual Worcester Music Festival dates from 1858.

For more information about the city, including events, hotels, and restaurants, go to www.worcester.org.